Currently have a budget hotel near Victoria Station but think Paddington will be better. We have days planned at the Tower to central London, Westminster north to British library, and a day trip to West of London. Last day will be V&A and train to Paris We'll be staying four nights July 1-4. Family of 4. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
You might consider staying near St Pancras/KingsCross stations. A hotel or apartment in that area would be handy to the British Library and the Eurostar train to Paris. The area is not charming, but then neither is the Paddington area. Well, the Paddington area does have some nice garden areas. Bus and Tube transportation is convenient from Paddington and St Pancras.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33821 posts
I'm curious, David, why do you think that? Are you talking money, restaurants, "street life", transportation? Have you considered Bloomsbury?
Posted by
san diego, california, us
149 posts
I think the Paddington area is a bit dreary, and it isn't walking distance to any major tourist sights, certainly none of the ones you have mentioned. For sightseeing, I think Victoria is better located. If not Victoria, I second the recommendation for looking at Bloomsbury. It's centrally located, and there are several budget hotels in the area.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Why ??? I agree with Margaret. There is nothing in the Paddington area except the wax museum which is marginal. The ONLY reason we stay in the Paddington area is to catch the HRow Express the next morning when passing through London. Normally we prefer to stay in the Victoria station area because of the general convenience of that area. Stay put.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5848 posts
While there is nothing remarkable in the Paddington area, the location is fine for getting around. Paddington is on the Bakerloo, Circle, and Hammersmith and City lines so you can easily get around London. It is not my first choice, but on my last trip I stayed there to take advantage of a free hotel with some hotel points and it was fine.
Posted by
OP
Georgetown, TX
107 posts
I guess my primary thought was transportation. One day we'll go back to LHR to pick up a car for our out of town trip (Windsor, Avebury, Stonehenge) and the connect/express look easy. There won't be much night life of the pub/bar screen with two young teenage boys. The Tower looks easy enough to get to, the Fat Tire Tour is close, Westimster is an easy ride away. I haven't checked other locations, but I will now.
Posted by
san diego, california, us
149 posts
If there are 4 of you, you can hire a private car for about the same price as 4 Heathrow Connect tickets. You can definitely hire a private car for less than the cost of 4 Heathrow Express tickets. Check: http://www.justairports.com/ http://www.london-transfers.com/